Exploding Kittens is one of those games that is easy to explain, quick to play, and usually gets people laughing within a few minutes. The basic idea is simple: don’t draw an Exploding Kitten. Use your cards to skip, attack, peek, shuffle, or force someone else into danger instead.
It is silly, fast, and a little mean in the best possible way.
Here are the Exploding Kittens games and versions we currently have, and what each one is best for.
Exploding Kittens
This is the original game and still the best place to start for most people.
It plays 3–5 players and works well as a quick family game, a filler game, or something easy to bring out with people who do not play a lot of board games. Kids tend to love it because the rules are simple and the art is ridiculous in a good way.
If you are buying Exploding Kittens for the first time, this is usually the version I would point you toward.
Exploding Kittens: Recipes for Disaster
Recipes for Disaster is the more flexible “big box” version of Exploding Kittens.
Instead of just giving you one way to play, it comes with different recipe setups that tell you which cards to include depending on how many people are playing and what kind of game you want. You can make the game friendlier, meaner, stranger, faster, or more chaotic.
It also comes with the Cone of Shame, which is exactly the kind of nonsense that makes this game what it is.
This is a great choice if your group already likes Exploding Kittens and wants more variety without buying a bunch of separate boxes.
Exploding Kittens: Grab & Game
This is the budget-friendly, easy-to-toss-in-a-bag version.
It is perfect if you want a second copy for the car, cottage, camper, purse, backpack, or wherever you keep the emergency fun. It is small, simple, and very giftable.
This is the version I’d suggest when someone wants something inexpensive that still feels like a real game night starter.
Zombie Kittens
Zombie Kittens is a fun twist on the regular game because exploding does not always mean you are completely out.
In the original game, once you explode, you are usually done. In Zombie Kittens, players can come back into the game, which is great if your group does not love having someone sit on the sidelines waiting for the next round.
That makes it a good pick for families, younger players, or groups where someone inevitably gets knocked out early and then hovers around the snack bowl like a sad ghost.
Exploding Kittens: 2 Player Edition
This is the version for when you only have two players.
The regular game really wants more people, so the 2 Player Edition is handy if you want the Exploding Kittens feel without needing a full group. It is also small and easy to travel with.
Good for couples, siblings, parent-and-kid games, or throwing in a bag for a trip.
Exploding Kittens: Party Pack
This is the one for bigger groups.
The Party Pack can handle up to 10 players, and we have played it that way many times. It is great when you have a larger family gathering, a group of kids, a casual party, or a table full of people who want something quick and loud without learning a complicated game.
If your problem is “too many people want to play,” this is the box you want.
Exploding Minions
Exploding Minions is the Minions-themed version of the base game.
It has the same general Exploding Kittens style, but with Minions art and humour. This is a good one for Minions fans, or for families where the theme will make it more fun for the kids to pull off the shelf.
It is also one of those games where the box itself does a lot of the selling. If someone likes Minions, they usually know right away.
Exploding Kittens: 10 Years of Chaos Tin
This one is a fun collector-style version for fans of the game.
The tin makes it feel a little more special, and it adds some interesting and hilarious new cards. This is not necessarily the first version I would recommend to someone who has never played before, but it is a great pick for someone who already knows they like Exploding Kittens and wants something a bit different.
Good gift option for an Exploding Kittens fan.
NSFW by Exploding Kittens
This is the adults-only version.
It is silly, immature, and definitely not the family version. If you are looking for clean fun, pick one of the regular boxes. If you want the more ridiculous adult version for the right group, this is the one.
It is best for adult game nights where everyone is already on board with that kind of humour.
So Which Exploding Kittens Should You Buy?
If you are new to Exploding Kittens, start with the original.
If you want more variety, go with Recipes for Disaster.
If you want a small travel copy, grab the Grab & Game version or the 2 Player Edition.
If you have a big group, Party Pack is the easy choice.
If you do not like player elimination, Zombie Kittens is probably the best twist on the formula.
And if you are buying for a fan who already owns the basic game, the 10 Years of Chaos Tin makes a great upgrade or gift.
Exploding Kittens works because it does not take itself seriously. It is quick, weird, easy to teach, and full of little “you did WHAT to me?” moments. Sometimes that is exactly what a game night needs.
